The site’s future became questionable after ESPN president John Skipper last May fired Simmons. Simmons now has a super-rich deal at HBO that includes a digital extension and TV show, with several Grantland staffers following him out the door.

High profile writers such as Wesley Morris joined the New York Times and Rembert Browne went to New York magazine. Zach Lowe’s next move is sure to be watched closely, if his phone isn’t ringing off the hook already.